I don't know what made me think about it, but maybe a year ago I was feeling sick and tired (no pun intended) so I took my temperature to see if I had a fever. It was 97.2 deg. farenheit. I thought it was a mistake so I waited awhile and took it again. When I took it later, the second reading was 96.8 deg. farenheit. I assumed the thermometer was broken (one of the digital ones that goes under your tongue) and I had my mom check hers out. She was like 98.4 deg. farenheit. This had never happened before and hasn't happened since, but for some reason I was thinking about it today and I was wondering what could have caused it. It freaked me out because I had never heard of a temperature going as low as 96.8. It only happened this one time when I was sick and never before or since. Is this really weird? Only respond please if you have some medical knowledge (ie: a nurse, doctor, etc... ) or this has happened to you too. Thanks. :)
2007-02-05 09:28:51 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
Most people don't realize that 98.6 is only an average temperature for a person at a certain time of day. Temperature fluctuates throughout the day by a degree or even two according to activity, time of day, foods you have eaten, slight illnesses you may have etc. That is why a doctor does not consider you to have a "fever" unless it starts to rise close to 100 or over if you are an adult. Of course if it goes too low ( below 96.8 - 95) you are in the first stages of hypothermia and should do what it takes to warm your body. Much below that is stage two hypothermia and is the stage at which you can start to feel disoriented and turn blue in your extremities. If you had not been out in the cold when it happened - I would suspect a mild virus. It doesn't sound too out of the ordinary to me.
2007-02-05 09:44:34 · answer #1 · answered by arkiemom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hypothermia is the word or condition to describe what you went through. Less than normal body temperature does happen in some cases when you are very weak. Blankets, hot water bottles etc. will take care. If still not responding, some glucose will help and medical attention may be needed.
In some cases of hypothyroidism, you may have subnormal temperature.
Hypothermia is also caused by prolonged exposure outside when the temperature outside is low. If left untreated, it may cause serious complications.
I would suggest that next time, you consult a good doctor and discuss this issue with him/her if needed.
2007-02-05 09:35:58 · answer #2 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not unusual to have different temp readings during the day,its normal to fluctuate,several things can cause this, time of day,exercise,being outdoors in extreme temperatures,illness etc.Some "viral" infections may cause a low temp in adults and children. Normal body temps can be 97.0 to 99.0. Doctors don't consider a temp to be significant if its less than 101.0.There are several things you can do to "warm-up" drinking a hot beverage,taking a shower or bath ,putting on a cozy pair of PJ's etc.Take care. SW RNP
2007-02-05 10:04:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A virus could make the thermostat in your brain not work as it should.
2007-02-05 09:31:16 · answer #4 · answered by Frankie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some sicknesses actually make your temperature go down
2007-02-05 09:36:42 · answer #5 · answered by finn292 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can happen if you haven't been eating enough... your body will go into starvation mode and lower your metabolism.
2007-02-05 09:32:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have that all the time it is poor circulation. if you smoke that is why you have poor circulation. but body temps change all the time nothing to worry about
2007-02-05 09:33:38 · answer #7 · answered by melissapinkfloyd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋